Florence is a city steeped in history, culture, and art. It was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to one of the most influential families in history, the Medici.
This prominent and influential bourgeois family rose to power in the 13th century as a banking institution.
Medici Bank was Europe’s largest during its heyday, and in the 15th century, the Medici became a political dynasty. They ruled over Florence for the best part of three centuries.
Victims of exile, treason, and even murder, it’s believed that the Medici were just as corrupt and used any means to reach – and stay – in power. And this includes one of Florence’s most important patrimony: the art.
While detractors assure the Medici only did it for political propaganda, there’s no denying that they were significant art benefactors.
They financed the construction of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and became patrons of the likes of Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael.
The Medici commissioned some of the artists’ best works, and played a crucial role in shaping the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Having been such a vital part of Florence’s history and one of the world’s most astounding artistic movements, they’re still iconic 300 years later.
Regardless if you’re visiting for an entire week or only have one day in Florence, I think it’s worth learning about the Medici history while you’re there.
To make that happen, you can choose one of the several Medici tours in Florence available. They’ll take you on a journey into the past as you visit iconic landmarks and hear tales about the most noteworthy family members.
Read on to discover the perfect Medici tour, and start planning your trip!
Why can you trust me? I was born in the beautiful city of Bologna, which is just 30 minutes away by train. Growing up here gave me the chance to visit Florence many many times… you can say I’m almost a local!
Plus, I’ve been running this website since 2014 and helped millions of people plan their trips. So you could say I know a thing or two when it comes to choosing the best activities for you. Shall we start?
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Mysteries of the Medici Guided Walking Tour |
| PRIVATE TOUR | The Medici’s Private Walking Tour |
| PITTI PALACE TOUR | Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery, and the Medici |
| MEDICI CHAPELS TOUR | Medici Chapels Guided Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Medici Dynasty Walking Tour
This Florence: Mysteries of the Medici Guided Walking Tour is a fascinating experience that lets you in on the juicy tales of the Medici family.
Considered both the benefactors of the Renaissance and Florence’s puppeteers, there’s a lot to learn about this controversial dynasty.
Let your guide unravel the spine-tingling rivalries between the Strozzi, Pazzi, and Medici families. In the meantime, you’ll explore the city’s historic streets and squares where their influence is etched.
Gaze in awe at the Florence Medici Chapel, the final resting place for many of its members, and marvel at the mosaic Commesso Fiorentino. It’s an impressive testament to the family’s penchant for art and luxury.
Why is this the best tour? If you’re interested in the history, gory events, and impact of the Medici family in Florence, you won’t find a more comprehensive tour.
The guides are either art historians or experts in the infamous family, and the tour allows you to discover the strong links between the Medici and the major artists of the Renaissance.
Read what the reviews say:
“Emanuela was our guide and she was fantastic! She studied art history and you could feel her passion explaining very interesting characteristics of different places like Santa Maria del fiore, palazzo Medici, chiesa San Lorenzo and others. I fully recommend it!”
Caterina – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A guide and optional access to the Medici Chapel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Medici Tours in Florence
▶️ Travel back in time with this Florence: Medici Family History Tour. It allows you to delve into the dynasty’s centuries of power, and the betrayals and obstacles it had to face to get there.
Wander around Florence with a guide, visiting Medici monuments as you discover their motivations and the way they ruled over the city.
This unique tour takes you behind the scenes of their iconic palaces and secret hideouts. It also unravels the captivating stories of Lorenzo the Magnificent, Cosimo the Elder, and Piero the Unfortunate.
You’ll visit the iconic Palazzo Medici, the Chapel of the Magi, and a secret location where Michelangelo learned to sculpt.
This tour includes: An expert guide, and skip-the-line access to the monuments mentioned. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Explore the fascinating history of the family with an exclusive Florence: Medici Tour with Michelangelo’s David.
You’ll skip the lines at the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture and other famous Renaissance works of art. As you explore the galleries, learn about the Medici’s connection to the city’s art heritage.
You’ll then follow your guide as they take you to Palazzo Medici, San Lorenzo Church, the Medici Chapels, and Palazzo Pitti. You’ll witness the dynasty’s influence on Florence’s architecture, and end your tour with a sweet treat of authentic Italian gelato.
This tour includes: A skip-the-line entrance to the Accademia Gallery, a local guide, and gelato. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Choose the Florence: Guided Tour of Medici Family Secrets and Chapels to uncover the history of Italy’s most infamous family. With a small group – or the option to make it private – you’ll explore all the corners of the city connected to the Medici.
Start by visiting the Medici Chapel with skip-the-line tickets, and seeing the family’s hidden crypt. You’ll also get to admire the stunning art inside the building, which was decorated by Michelangelo himself.
Check out many locations featured in the TV show about the Medicis, and enjoy views of Palazzo Vecchio, their former residence. All the while, your engaging guide will introduce each family member through fascinating stories, and explain the power and influence they had in Florence.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Piazza del Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria are other iconic stops on this tour. Get ready to discover the lives of your favorite Renaissance artists, as well as the Medici members, in a new light.
This tour includes: A walking tour, a guide, and skip-the-line access to the Medici Chapel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Medici’s Private Tours
▶️ Step into the shoes of the notorious family with a Florence: Medici Experience Tour. You’ll do so by exploring Palazzo Medici as you hear scandalous tales about conspiracies and betrayals.
Marvel at its remarkable frescoes portraying illustrious members of the family and visit the Chapel of the Magi. Then, follow your expert guide around the city.
They’ll explain everything you might want to know about Florence’s art, history, and culture, turning you into a Medici specialist by the end of the day!
This tour includes: A private tour guide, entrance fees, and a Florence Medici Palace tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Discover the juicy scandals and power plays of the dynasty on The Medici’s Private Walking Tour.
You’ll visit some of Florence’s iconic landmarks, including Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, and the Basilica di San Lorenzo.
Stop by Piazza della Signoria, where the Medici wielded their power, and check out the striking Florence Duomo. All the while, learn how the family supported the Renaissance artistic movement and the works of renowned artists.
Don’t miss the Medici family tombs during this tour that’s perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts.
This tour includes: A professional guide and earphones. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join the Medici Chapels Private Tour in Florence to visit the renowned location with your group. Known as the burial place of the most important members of the Medici family, the chapels feature more than elaborate tombs.
It’s home to masterpieces of art, architecture, and sculpture, showcasing some of the finest works of Renaissance artists.
As you gape in awe at the impressive interior of the chapel, you’ll hear tales of revenge, conspiracy, and mysterious deaths of the Medici.
You’ll get to choose your departure time and make the most of your guide’s undivided attention. The tour accommodates up to 10 people.
This tour includes: Medici Chapel tickets, headsets, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pitti Palace & Palatine Gallery Tour
The ultimate tour for art lovers would be this Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery, and the Medici: Arts and Power in Florence. Allow the experience to teleport you into a world of art, beauty, and intrigue.
You’ll follow your guide around the Pitti Palace, the Medici’s last residence, and its striking Palatine Gallery.
Get up close to the works of Raphael, Titian, and Rubens as you learn about the history of the Medici and its impressive private collection.
The group size is limited to 15 people to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.
This tour includes: A local guide, a headset, and skip-the-line tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Self-Guided Medici Escape Game
Experience the city like never before with a Florence Medici Conspiracy Quest Experience. Solve clues at your own pace and unlock hidden stories about the Medici family as you progress in the game.
All the while you’ll be visiting iconic landmarks like the Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, and the Medici Palace.
This self-guided tour, which takes around 2 hours (unless you decide to stop and continue the next day…which is totally fine!) also includes stops at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the renowned Duomo.
Explore the city and unravel its secrets with the help of a downloadable app, a very unique way of immersing yourself in the rich history of Florence.
This tour includes: A downloadable app, offline access, and 24/7 assistance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
